Specialty

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic headaches and the cause of each type of headache varies. Unfortunately, most headache disorders do not go away by taking over-the-counter medication and demand specialized care by a physician. There are a variety of treatment options and while most people cannot find relief, Dr. Apelian has proven success in diagnosing and treating headaches, especially migraines.

Migraines typically cause a throbbing sensation in one area and this pain intensifies in the proceeding hours. The headache disorder is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, distorted vision, irritability, nasal congestion, or scalp tenderness. So what is the science behind migraines? The pain associated with migraines happens when waves of activity trigger chemicals to narrow the blood vessels. These chemical changes cause a migraine headache.

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. It is hereditary or can develop due to a brain injury such as trauma or stroke. Epilepsy can be managed through treatments such as medication, devices, surgery, or dietary changes. The disorder can be frightening for both the patient and family. It is important that proper measures are taken to receive adequate treatment from a physician who specializes in this neurological disorder.  Seizures occur when a patient has Epilepsy. During a seizure, the patient demonstrates abnormal behavior, symptoms, and can even lose consciousness. When an individual suffers from this disorder, friends and family should be aware of how to provide emergency care. There are different types of seizures which include generalized seizures that affect both sides of the brain, and focal seizures that are located in one area.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that is commonly associated with tremors. As the disorder worsens over time, the patient experiences decreased dopamine levels that cause nerve cell damage in the brain. Aside from shaking or tremors, patients have symptoms such as loss of balance, slow movement, and stiffness of the limbs. At least two or more of the symptoms must be present throughout the span of one year when a patient is considered for evaluation and testing. In the United States, there are nearly 200,000 individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s annually. The neurodegenerative disorder is caused by genetics or environmental factors. There are a combination of tests that are utilized to diagnose Parkinson’s.  The treatment for the disease varies, depending on the patient as there is no one treatment for all.

The devastating disease that affects nearly 3 million Americans every year- Alzheimer’s. The disease causes loss of memory and other vital brain functions. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate, commonly leading to Dementia. This disorder results in drastic changes in behavior, rational thinking, memory, functionality, and social skills.

Symptoms present in patients with Alzheimer’s:

• Memory loss for a brief period of time
• Challenges in problem-solving and critical thinking
• Misplacing things
• Difficulty completing daily tasks
• Challenges in comprehending spatial relationships and images
• Newly developed issues with writing and speaking
• Poor judgement and rationale
• Social withdrawal
• Drastic mood and personality change
• Disorientation of time and place

Strokes are caused by a sudden and abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain which in turn, cut off blood supply. There are two types of strokes including ischemic and hemorrhagic.  Additionally, patients may suffer a transient ischemic attack, which is referred to as a mini-stroke, and often serves as a warning sign of a future stroke.  Symptoms of a stroke include experiencing numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, vision problems, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, or severe headaches. It is important to consider that symptoms can occur on one side of the body. Silent strokes can also occur.  Individuals can prevent the onset of stroke by controlling diabetes, blood pressure, weight, monitoring diet, decreasing alcohol intake, and quitting tobacco use. Some individuals are at a higher risk due to family history, however there is still the potential for anyone to experience a stroke. Patients that have a strong family history should tell their doctors so that they monitor their health closer, giving specific attention to warning signs and comorbidities.

Sleep disorders are defined by a change in sleeping patterns that inevitably impact one’s health.  Sleep apnea is the most widely recognized sleep disorder in which an individual has difficulty breathing while they sleep, however other sleep disorders exist including periodic limb movement disorder, REM sleep behavior disorder, narcolepsy, and cataplexy. Sleep is vital to humans in multiple facets and a lack of rest can have detrimental effects on your physical, emotional, and mental health. Sleep disorders are treated with medication or therapy and it is important to get the right treatment, tailored to your specific needs.

This commonly treated condition is caused by an impact to the head. Individuals who are active have a higher likelihood of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and there is a range of severity. Whether mild or severe, individuals should seek medical attention immediately for proper assessment and evaluation. A concussion occurs when the brain hits the walls of the skull or rapidly accelerates and decelerates. While a concussion is considered a mild brain injury, it should not go untreated.  The symptoms of a concussion include memory loss, blackout, disorientation, loss of balance, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, vomiting, and disruptions in sleep patterns.